Two of the killed bears weighed more than 700 pounds and dozens weighed more than 600 pounds. Last year, 80 bears were killed by cars and another 30 were killed for being aggressive. The state has trained more than 900 police officers to specifically handle the animals and the threats they may pose.

Opponents contend the policy was improperly developed. The Animal Protection League of New Jersey and the Bear Education and Resource Group had asked the state Supreme Court to halt the hunt, but state Supreme Court Justice Edwin Stern turned down the request.